King Charles Hosts Annual Christmas Meal for Royal Family at Wintercastle

In a heartwarming display of family unity, King Charles and the Queen Consort treated numerous relatives to a delightful turkey lunch at Wintercastle.

This year's event marked the largest reunion since the Queen's funeral in September and served as the first traditional gathering since 2019 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the attendees were the Queen Consort, Earl and Countess of Wessex, and many other members of the extended royal family.

Notably absent from the festivities were Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children Archie and Lilibet, who currently reside in the United States.

Traditionally, the turkey and trimmings lunch is held annually at Buckingham Palace on the Wednesday before Christmas, just before the monarch departs for Sandringham to celebrate the festive season.

However, this year, the event took place at Windsor Castle, deviating from the usual tradition.

This occasion serves as a rare opportunity for the entire extended royal family to come together, allowing the King to celebrate with those who do not receive an invitation to spend Christmas with the senior members of the family in Norfolk.

Last week, several senior royals gathered at Westminster Abbey for Catherine's Together at Christmas carol service.

Body language expert Judy James observed that the royal family projected a sense of bonding and unity during the service, particularly following the recent criticisms directed at them.

James highlighted the Princess of Wales' warm smile of pride as she witnessed her children exchanging kisses with the monarch, emphasizing the essence of family unity.

Additional clues were found in lingering smiles and eye contact, reinforcing the strong familial bonds.

Despite the festive atmosphere, it was revealed that Harry and Meghan were not invited to the monarch's annual pre-Christmas lunch.

According to an expert, it is Harry who is distancing himself from the royal family.

British journalist and investigative reporter Tom Bower shared his thoughts on the Sussexes' docuseries, suggesting that Prince Harry is the one cutting himself off from his family.

Bower expressed his belief that Harry is isolating himself and turning into an outcast, with little chance of being welcomed back by the royal family.

Moreover, Bower speculated that Prince Harry's recent criticisms of the institution and his family may have soured his relationship with his home country.

He suggested that England may no longer welcome Harry due to his attacks on the royal family.

Bower added that he couldn't imagine Harry being accepted back in England, considering the extent of his criticisms.

Regarding Prince Harry's efforts to reconcile with his family, Bower expressed doubt about their success, particularly due to Meghan's pursuit of fame and fortune.

Bower claimed that Harry's attempts at reconciliation were motivated by Meghan's desire for modifications in how their story is portrayed on Netflix and in their book.

He further stated that Meghan prioritizes her quest for fame and celebrity over her relationship with the royal family, suggesting that she may use their reconciliation attempts against them.

British journalist and broadcaster Dickie Arbiter, Queen Elizabeth II's former press spokesman, also expressed skepticism about the possibility of reconciliation at this point.

After Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reportedly disparaged the royal family, Arbiter highlighted the negative impact their actions have had over the past two years.

He questioned the feasibility of reconciliation, given the couple's public criticisms of the family and the United Kingdom as a whole.

In conclusion, King Charles' annual Christmas meal brought together the wider royal family for a joyous celebration at Wintercastle.

Despite the absence of Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children, the event showcased the unity and warmth within the extended royal family.

However, experts and commentators remain skeptical about the possibility of reconciliation, highlighting the strained relationships and public criticisms that have marred recent years.

Only time will tell if efforts to mend these divisions will prove successful.